Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp

Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp

Craving a dish that brings bold, zesty flavors with a touch of indulgence? Look no further than this Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp! This one’s got it all: smoky, spicy chorizo, juicy shrimp, and a velvety cream sauce that will have you licking your plate. The best part? It’s all tossed together with spaghetti to create a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Trust me when I say, once you’ve tried this, it’s going to become your new favorite pasta dish. The smoky heat from the chorizo, the sweetness of the shrimp, and the rich creaminess all come together in a symphony of flavors you won’t be able to get enough of. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to recipe!

Why You’ll Love Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can easily customize it with different proteins like chicken or sausage if you prefer.

Budget-Friendly: Chorizo and shrimp give this dish an upscale feel without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for when you want a delicious meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.

Customizable: Add some heat with extra chili flakes or go lighter on the chorizo for a milder flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. This pasta is a crowd favorite that hits all the right flavor notes—smoky, savory, creamy, and just a little spicy.

Ingredients in Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp

This dish comes together with just a few simple ingredients that pack a big punch of flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Spaghetti: The classic pasta base. It soaks up the creamy sauce and brings everything together.

Chorizo: A smoky, slightly spicy sausage that adds depth and heat to the dish. You can use mild or spicy, depending on your preference.

Shrimp: Tender, juicy shrimp bring a sweet contrast to the savory chorizo. Plus, they cook quickly, making them perfect for this dish.

Heavy Cream: The star of the creamy sauce that envelopes the pasta, shrimp, and chorizo in pure deliciousness.

Bell Peppers (red and yellow): Sweet bell peppers add a touch of freshness and crunch that balances the richness of the cream.

Garlic: Because what’s a creamy pasta without that aromatic garlic kick?

Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a little bit of richness to the dish.

Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, cheesy finish that makes everything just a little bit better.

Chili Flakes (optional): Add a touch of heat for those who like their pasta with a little spice.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. While the water heats up, get started on the chorizo and shrimp.

Cook the Spaghetti

Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Cook the Chorizo

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chorizo and cook until it’s crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up into smaller pieces with a spoon as it cooks.

Sauté the Bell Peppers and Garlic

Once the chorizo is cooked, add the bell peppers and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the peppers are softened and fragrant.

Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove everything from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Pepper Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked spaghetti, chorizo, shrimp, and bell peppers back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).

Finishing Touches

Give everything a final toss to ensure it’s all mixed well and heated through.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the spaghetti warm, topped with extra parmesan if you like. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh touch, and dig in!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 560

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Pair with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up that delicious sauce
Top with extra chili flakes or red pepper for a little extra spice
Enjoy with a glass of white wine or iced tea for the perfect balance of flavors

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
For a milder flavor, use turkey or chicken chorizo instead of the spicy pork variety
Add some spinach or kale to the sautéed peppers for extra color and nutrition
If you love mushrooms, sauté them along with the bell peppers for an earthy flavor
Double the sauce if you prefer a more decadent dish—just add more cream and Parmesan
Use fresh shrimp for the best texture, but frozen shrimp will work too—just be sure to thaw them properly
To make it spicier, add more chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce
For a gluten-free version, swap the spaghetti for gluten-free pasta

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use Italian sausage or even kielbasa if you prefer.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best made fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the shrimp and chorizo in advance. Just combine everything when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer will work.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use spicy chorizo to amp up the heat.

5. Can I make it without shrimp?
Of course! You can substitute the shrimp with chicken, or just enjoy the creamy chorizo and peppers on their own.

6. How do I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best to eat this dish fresh, as pasta tends to lose its texture when frozen, but you can freeze the sauce and protein separately.

8. Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even asparagus would be great additions.

9. Is this dish very spicy?
It has a nice kick from the chorizo and chili flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. Feel free to adjust the heat level to your taste.

10. Can I make this low-carb?
You can make it low-carb by swapping the spaghetti for zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.

Conclusion

Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp is everything you want in a pasta dish creamy, savory, smoky, and just the right amount of spice. It’s a meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress at any dinner party. With this dish, you’re not just serving dinner you’re creating an experience that will have everyone coming back for more. So grab your ingredients and get cooking you won’t regret it!

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Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp

Spaghetti with Pepper Cream, Chorizo & Shrimp

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Spanish, Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring spicy chorizo, succulent shrimp, and a creamy pepper sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chorizo and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chorizo from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside with chorizo.
  4. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any bits stuck to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt to taste. Add the cooked chorizo, shrimp, and pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine and coat the pasta with the sauce.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Feel free to add some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and color.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: spaghetti with chorizo and shrimp, creamy pepper pasta, spicy pasta dish, seafood pasta, chorizo shrimp pasta

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